Mel Schilling’s dying ‘wish’ revealed as E4 shares on-air tribute and MAFS co-star Paul C Brunson pays heartbreaking tribute
Tributes have poured in for MelMAFS expert Mel Schilling has heartbreakingly died aged 54, just days after revealing her terminal cancer diagnosis. Her husband, Gareth confirmed Mel Schilling’s death this week.
Last week, Mel announced her cancer had spread to her brain, weeks after she stepped down from her role as an expert on Married At First Sight.
On Tuesday (March 24) Mel’s husband, Gareth, confirmed the devastating news. Mel leaves behind Gareth, and their 10 year old daughter, Maddie. The first MAFS Australia episode after Mel’s death went ahead. But E4 shared a touching tribute, as did MAFS UK co-star Paul C Brunson.
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E4 and Paul Brunson share tribute for Mel
Ahead of Tuesday night’s episode of MAFS Australia on E4, the channel released their own tribute for the adored expert. And it revealed Mel’s “wish” for the show.
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A statement was read right before the episode aired. They said: “Everyone at Channel 4 is hugely saddened by the news we’ve lost Mel Schilling.
“It was Mel and her family’s wish that we carry on showing Married At First Sight, and celebrate her mission to help others find love and happiness.
“Our thoughts are with Mel’s family and friends.”
Paul Brunson shared his own heartbreaking tribute for his MAFS co-star and friend.
Taking to Instagram, Paul recalled: “I will never forget my first BAFTA in 2022. I arrived on the red carpet with Mel and Charlene to represent MAFS UK. It was our first nomination and I was nervous.
“What stood out to me that night was how most celebrities handled it. They would hear their name called, wave and continue walking. But the first moment Mel heard her name, she stopped. She stepped off the red carpet, moved around the barrier and went to hug the woman calling out to her.”
Paul explained that Mel was flying back-and-forth from the UK to Australia for two years, while undergoing chemotherapy.
He penned: “She showed up fully. Every single time. Always with a smile. I never once heard her complain. That wasn’t just professionalism, that was extraordinary strength.”
MAFS expert Mel Schilling dead aged 54
In a heartbreaking statement on Tuesday, Gareth wrote: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
“In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life.
“It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
“This is a woman who, throughout two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy. And she never missed a day of filming.”
Gareth continued: “To most of you, she was Mel Schilling – matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model and soulmate.
“On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.”
Gareth went on to thank Mel’s MAFS family and colleagues for helping them through the horrible few months.
He then penned a heartbreaking message to Mel. Gareth said: “Life can be beautiful and can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well and try not to sweat the small stuff.
“I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate. It was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will forever be thankful.
“Goodbye my love. My one. Until we meet again.”
Tributes pour in for Mel Schilling after death
Immediately celebrities and previous MAFS stars flooded the post with tributes, and shared their love for Mel Schilling after her death.
Zoe Hardman penned: “She was one in a million. So sorry for your loss xx.”
Vicky Pattison added: “Absolutely heartbreaking. A beautiful woman inside and out. My thoughts are with your family and friends.”
“Heartbreaking. Thoughts are with you all. Such a wonderful woman,” added Love Islander Faye Winter.
2025 MAFS Australia star, Jacqui Burfoot, commented: “Mel will be loved forever. Take care of Maddie for us all.”
Brittany Hockley, host of MAFS Australia’s spin-off After The Dinner Party commented: “I am so sorry. My heart breaks for you. What an incredible woman.”
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